Reviews

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

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birdinflight1's review against another edition

5.0

Timely and important conversation starter about police brutality and racism in America. I enjoyed the perspective of a black teenage girl who navigates two worlds, her neighborhood where drug dealers and gangbangers are the norm and her white-rich-kid private school. I also really enjoyed the mom character...smart and fierce and loving and protective.

ulyssedamour's review against another edition

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5.0

I just finished The Hate U Give and I don't think I can really talk about it right now as I am so overwhelmed with many emotions and feelings.

I love Starr. I love her story and all of her family and friends (except for that bitch Hailey). I'm so happy I got to read this amazing book. It's officially on my list of favorite books I've read. I cannot wait to see what the movie will be like. I heard Amandla Stenberg will play Starr and I'm already overly excited about it.

What a powerful story, what amazing writing, what incredible characters! Dear Angie Thomas, I FREAKING LOVE YOU.

librarydoc's review against another edition

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4.0

Book Talk
Starr grew up in the hood. She is surrounded by gang violence, and watches her best friend get killed in a drive-by at 10 years old. But that all pales in comparison to the night she gets a ride home from a party with her childhood friend Khalil. The blue lights go on behind them and Starr's life changes forever.

My Thoughts
I think there is a lot to think about and discuss in this book. I had trouble connecting with the characters because I have no experience or perspective to match it. I am glad I read the book because it caused me to think deeply about my own biases and perceptions.

That being said, I felt the dialogue was heavy handed and overplayed. It just felt too contrived, like I knew exactly where the story was going from the first chapter. I also felt like there were things in the story that were glamorized that didn't need to be (gang violence is one example, the rioting another).

My Recommendation
3.5/5 stars
Grades 10+ (language, violence, drugs)

liangjie's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

jackleopards's review against another edition

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5.0

I knew I should’ve read this sooner. It wasn’t really that heavy contrary to what I’d anticipated (I laughed); I kept rooting for Starr throughout the entirety of the story, and loved the fact that it made my blood boil for all the good reasons. The character development was great and the family dynamics was well-done owing to its flawed and authenticness. With currently relevant themes of racism, activism, gun violence, and police brutality, this was a powerful and important book that made my eyes open, without a doubt, to our reality that is still being held captive of discrimination and injustices.

Concluding my thoughts with a quote that got me enlightened just as I was caught completely dumbfounded:

”We let people say stuff, and they say it so much that it becomes okay to them and normal for us. What’s the point of having a voice if you’re gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn’t be?”

niccinite's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is sooooo important!! It's about family and community. It's about how sometimes you might feel like you have to tone yourself down to fit in. Man..read it so we can discuss!!